Thread: Ryobi AP13AK not feeding properly (jerky motion)

The feed mech fails, mine has failed twice now.
You need to take the side cover off & inspect it. (don't forget to unplug first.)
It is the one on the left as you view it from the infeed side.

As well, are the feed in rollers clean and the blades sharp?

Thanks for your prompt reply! Yes, I removed and sharpened both blades and the feed-in rollers are clean. Hopefully Cliff (above) might be onto something. I will remove the side cover and see what presents itself. I will keep you informed.

Ross

Thanks for your prompt reply. I shall investigate right away!

G'day mate
I sharpened the blades before using on Friday. One blade had a burred edge. On closer inspection the blade was not in straight so I fixed that. I then removed the covers from both ends. The flexible drive belt was fine and the cogs were aligned. At the other end, the chains that drive the feed rollers were as loose as buggery! Hopefully, this is visible in the first two photos. Also on removing the cogs there was noticeable damage to the teeth where the chain has slipped. I put a black dot next to some but as the photo is far better than I thought, other damaged teeth can be seen. I will get in touch with Ryobi and see if they will provide new 26 linked chain.2016-05-22 12.21.50-1.jpg2016-05-22 12.21.31-3.jpg2016-05-22 12.35.22-3.jpg

Many thanks

I will stay in touch

Ross

Take the chain to a bearing supplier or find a power transmission supplier in your area, it will most likely be much cheaper than the original chain from Ryobi. Take the sprockets as well, but I'm afraid these may have to be original Ryobi parts.

Hope you get the machine up and running soon.

Alan...

Uncle Al

Thanks for your input! I will definitely try and find a supplier for the chain other than Ryobi. I sure I could use the existing sprockets as the damage is only a slight burring or wearing of the teeth. Hopefully, it will be up and running in the near future.
The worst thing about the thicknesser not working is that it holds up this job which holds up the next job and so on. A bit like the horse "For the want of a nail the shoe was lost . . ."
Thanks for your help!
Ross

If the sprockets are worn , is it possible to turn them around so the chain drives on the unworn side of the sprocket tooth? As long as they are not offset , the photo looks like it would still match up. Just a idea . pker

Just wondering if there was a resolution to this issue?
Did you have to get a new chain and if so did the new chain fix the issue?

Even thought this thread is 4 years old I doubt that the problem was the chains and sprockets, more likely the gears inside the gearbox that drives those sprockets having teeth stripped off them, especially if it has worked hard.

The problem seems to be the bearing/bracket that the rollers are held by. Over time the bracket gets worn and allows the chain to lose tension and slip on the spricket causing the juddering/misfeeding.

Edit: I just fixed mine using advice from here: DeWalt DW733 planer, cheap bearing fix. Double the life of your bearings. - by PASs @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

I took off the roller brackets (part #58) and the one on the chain side of the outfeed roller was damaged with the slot for the roller shaft being more oval than circular like it should be as you can see in the pics in the link.
I just rotated it so the more circular part of the bracket was on the inside and reassembled the planer and it works with no jerking and cuts smoothly again.
Didn't need to buy a new chain, or a new bracket but they can be found for $17 or so when the bracket eventually lets go on the unworn side.

I had one chain part at the joiner, I put it back together.
I also had one cog come off the shaft because the captive screw & washer came off, both easy fixes.